Hanawi Natural Area Reserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Hanawi Natural Area Reserve is a protected area in the state of Hawaii that spans over 1,200 acres and is home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna.
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Summary
It is located on the island of Maui, near the town of Hana. Visitors are drawn to the reserve for its stunning natural scenery, which includes lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams.
One of the main attractions of Hanawi Natural Area Reserve is the rare and endangered species that inhabit the area. This includes the Hawaiian hoary bat, the Maui parrotbill, and the Hawaiian hawk, which are all protected by the reserve. The reserve is also home to a variety of plant species, including the native ohia and koa trees.
Visitors can explore the reserve through a variety of hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One popular trail is the Haleakala Ridge Trail, which takes hikers through the rainforest to a lookout point with views of the ocean and surrounding valleys. Another popular trail is the Wailua Valley State Wayside Trail, which leads to a stunning waterfall.
Interesting facts about Hanawi Natural Area Reserve include its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which recognizes the area's unique ecological importance. The reserve is also home to the Hanawi Stream, which is a critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
The best time of year to visit Hanawi Natural Area Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is most favorable for hiking and exploring the reserve. However, visitors should be aware that the area is prone to flash flooding during heavy rains, so it is important to check weather conditions before embarking on any hikes.
Overall, Hanawi Natural Area Reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Hawaii. Its unique flora and fauna, stunning scenery, and opportunity for outdoor adventure make it a truly unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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